1987 Porsche 911 vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 1987 Porsche 911. (231 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1987 Porsche 911. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 550 weights approximately 878 kg more than 1987 Porsche 911. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 550 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1987 Porsche 911. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 326 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Porsche 911. (283 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Porsche 911. 2012 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 1987 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 1987 Porsche 911 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Porsche 911 | 2012 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Porsche | BMW |
| Model | 911 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 3164 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 231 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1172 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 70 L |
